Slieve Bloom

Slieve Bloom, often referred to as Sliabh Bladhma, mountain range in central Ireland. About 25 km (16 mi) long, it extends from northern Tipperary through Laois to south-western Offaly. The summit area (about 2,100 hectares/5,189 acres) forms a National Nature Reserve. The tallest peak, Arderin, is 528 m (1,732 ft) high; other summits include Barna, Carnahinch, Knockachorra, and Wolftrap. Moorland glens covering the area, which contain the largest undisturbed upland blanket peat in Ireland, have been designated an Environmental Park. The peat, in places about 2 m (7 ft) deep, has formed in advantageous climatic conditions, with cool mountain temperatures combined with high levels of precipitation. Numerous rivers and streams, including the Barrow, the Camcor, and the Delour, rise within the range.

Slieve Bloom is composed mainly of old red sandstone and quartzite. Geologically, it forms an inlier—an “island range”, where older rocks rise to the surface after being forced up from a limestone plain. Glaciation during the Ice Age gave the individual peaks their characteristic rounded shape and left numerous and clearly discernible moraines.

The mountains are supposedly named after a legendary Celtic warrior who found refuge in the area. They contain numerous scenic locations, such as the Ridge of Capard, the Glendine Gap, and the Glenletter Valley. Some 65 species of birds, as well as goats, foxes, badgers, and silka deer live there, and numerous conifer plantations have been established. Slieve Bloom is a popular tourist destination; the towns of Birr, with its noteworthy gardens, and Roscrea, known for a long-standing monastic tradition, are the main access points for walkers and horse riders. The Slieve Bloom Way, a 77-km (48-mi) circular waymarked path, is the most popular tourist track within the range.